Hose and cord storage arrangement for a portable dishwasher



July 22, 1969 J. MARTINIAK 3,456,680

HOSE AND CORD STORAGE ARRANGEMENT FOR A PORTABLE DISHWASHER Filed Nov. 15. 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Leonard J.l\/|or1iniok Attorney y 22, 1969 L. J. MARTINIAK 3,456,680

HUS?) AND CORD STORAGE AI HANGFIMUN'I' FOR PORTABLE DISHWASHER Filed Nov. 15. 1966 2 Sheets-$l1eet :3

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IN'VENTOIR. Leonard J. MCJYiifiIGk Attorney nited States Patent Office 3,456,680 Patented July 22, 1969 3,456,680 HOSE AND CORD STORAGE ARRANGEMENT FOR A PORTABLE DISHWASHER Leonard J. Martiniak, Waukesha, Wis., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Filed Nov. 15, 1966, Ser. No. 594,579 Int. Cl. F161 3/16; A471 15/42 US. Cl. 137355.17 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A portable dishwasher of the front loading type, wherein means are provided for storing the inlet and drain hoses and/or the power cord within the heretofore normally void spaces between the vertical side walls of the wash chamber and the outer decorative cabinet, whereby no additional storage compartments are required therefor and the size of the outer decorative cabinet can thus be minimized without requiring any reduction in the size of the wash chamber.

This invention relates to dishwashers, and, more particularly, to portable dishwashers for domestic use of the type adapted to be detachably connected to a water supply and electric power source for use.

It has become the desire of manufacturers of dishwashers to produce a front loading portable dishwasher that does not appear as large and cumbersome as the front loading convertible type dishwashers produced in recent years. Convertible type dishwashers are front loading dishwashers that are initially used by the purchaser as a portable, and designed such that at a subsequent time, the top and side walls thereof may be removed and the unit disposed below a kitchen countertop. To provide a portable more compact than the convertible, it is necessary for the manufacturers of such dishwashers to reduce the size of the outer cabinet. The reduction in the outer cabinet dimensions must, however, be accomplished without reducing the size of the wash chamber, so that the dishwasher may remain competitive with conventional units. One problem encountered when attempting to reduce the outer dimensions of the cabinet, is that of providing suitable storage space for the inlet hose, drain hose, and power cord, each of which is a necessary appurtenance to a portable dishwasher. The portable dishwashers manufactured heretofore have included a separate compartment added to the rear of the dishwasher cabinet for storing these items, or, in the case of a front loading convertible dishwasher, space has been provided between the top wall of the cabinet and the tub, where the cord and hoses were stored when the dishwasher was not in use. In attempting to reduce the height and depth of the outer cabinet, however, it is obvious that neither of these storage areas can be satisfactorily retained.

It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide storage for the inlet and drain hoses, and the power cord of a portable dishwasher in such a fashion that the outer decorative cabinet may be reduced in size to th greatest extent possible, without necessitating a reduction in size of the wash chamber.

It is another object of my invention to provide a portable dishwasher wherein the inlet and drain hoses and power cord may be stored between the outer cabinet side walls and the sides of the wash chamber, and wherein means are provided to guide the hoses and cord into their respective storage areas in a manner that assures their withdrawal without tangling or kinking.

It is still a further object of my invention to provide storage for the aforementioned inlet and drain hoses and power cord on the sides of the wash chamber in a manner that does not interefre with the opening and closing of the door, and wherein the respective hoses and cord may be easily withdrawn from and returned to their respective storage compartments when necessary.

In accordance with one aspect of my invention, I have provided a novel hose and cord storage system for a portable dishwasher comprising a generally rectangular wash chamber having a front access opening thereinto. Means defining an outer decorative cabinet for the wash chamber is provided, including first and second side walls and a rear wall, the side walls being spaced a predetermined distance from the wash chamber. Means cooperate with the first side wall and the wash chamber to define a generally vertically disposed hose storage compartment therebetween. A first opening near the top of the rear wall leads to the hose storage compartment.

An inlet and drain hose are adapted to be at least partially inserted and partially withdrawn from the storage compartment through the first opening. Means are provided for securing a portion of each of the inlet and drain hoses against movement relative to the hose storage compartment, while leaving the ends thereof free for withdrawal and return with respect to the hose storage compartment. Means for interconnecting the hoses intermediate their ends are provided, whereby the hoses are contiguously arranged when stored in their storage compartment, and upon insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom. A coupling means is secured to the free ends of the hoses, whereby the hoses may be connected to their respective liquid supply and drain facilities.

A first guide means is positioned interiorly of the cabinet and adjacent the first opening for receiving the coupling means when the hoses are inserted into their storage compartment. The first guide means is adapted to maintain the coupling means adjacent the first opening upon insertion of the hoses into their storage compartment, whereby the coupling means remains readily accessible for withdrawing the hoses therefrom.

In accordance with another aspect of my invention, the storage system includes means cooperating with the second side wall and the wash chamber to define a generally vertically disposed cord storage compartment therebetween. A second opening is provided in the rear wall leading to the cord storage compartment. An electrical cord is adapted to be at least partially withdrawn from the cord storage compartment through th second opening. Means are provided for securing a portion of the electrical cord against movement relative to the cord storage compartment, while leaving one end thereof free for withdrawal from and return to the cord storage compartment. A plug is secured to the free end of the electrical cord for connecting the cord to a source of power.

A second guide means is positioned interiorly of the cabinet and adjacent the second opening. The second guide means is adapted to receive the plug when the cord is inserted into the cord storage compartment, whereby the second guide means maintains the plug adjacent the second opening where it is readily accessible for withdrawing the cord from its storage compartment.

Other features and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment thereof, read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a view in perspective of a portable dishwasher embodying my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of the dishwasher of FIG- URE 1, with the outer cabinet wall removed to illustrate the disposition of the drain and inlet hoses when the dishwasher is not in use;

FIGURE 3 is a side view of the opposite side of the dishwasher of FIGURE 1, with the outer cabinet wall removed to illustrate the disposition of the electric cord when the dishwasher is not in use;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary rear view of the dishwasher of FIGURE 1, illustrating one aspect of my invention; and

FIGURE 5 is a second enlarged fragmentary rear view of the dishwasher of FIGURE 1 illustrating another aspect of my invention.

Referring first to FIGURES 1 through 3, there is illustrated an otherwise conventional portable dishwasher including an outer decorative cabinet 1, having side walls 2 and 3, a rear wall 4, a top wall 5, and a, bottom structure 6 that is supported on four casters 7 for free mobility. The top wall 5 of the cabinet may be made of wood, as shown to thereby provide a convenient cutting surface.

Within cabinet 1 is a generally rectangular tub 8 which defines the wash chamber. Tub 8 and outer cabinet 1 are constructed to provide registering front wall openings, with respect to which a door 9 is hinged at its bottom (hinges not shown) so as to swing between the normally closed vertical position shown in FIGURE 1, and a horizontal open position (not shown). A handle 10 is secured to door 9 where-by the dishwasher may be conveniently grasped for movement from one location to another. Suitable gasket means (not shown) are normally interposed between the door and the periphery of the tub opening to provide for sealing against leakage of water during operation of the machine.

Tub 8 is mounted on the bottom support structure 6 by means of a first pair of vertically disposed channel members 11 and 12, which are secured to one side of the support structure (FIGURE 2), and a second pair of channel members 13 and 14 disposed on the opposite side wall of the tub (FIGURE 3). The channel members are all rigidly secured to the bottom support structure 6, and tub 8 is fastened to the channel members by means of bolts 15. The channel members are provided with right angle flanges, illustrated by the lines 16 thereon, to provide structural rigidity therefor. It will be observed from FIGURES 2 and 3 that the flanged sections of the channels do not extend the full height thereof; the reason for this will be found herebelow. Suitable counterbalance means, in the form of links 17 and 17 and tension springs 18 and 18' are provided on the left and right sides of the door respectively. One end of each link 17, 17 is secured to the door, and the opposite end is secured to one end of each respective spring 18, 18'. The opposite ends of the springs are in turn hooked through suitable openings provided in the upper flanged sections of channel members 11 and 14. The outer cabinet walls 2 and 3 may be secured to the channel members in any conventional manner, and will thereby surround the tub in a manner well known in the art.

As will be observed from FIGURES 2 and 3, the bottom of tub 8 includes a sump portion 19 in which a pump (not shown) is conventionally arranged to recirculate water from the sump portion to a suitable wash distribution system disposed within the wash chamber. Also included within the wash chamber (but not shown) are upper and lower racks formed of wire in the conventional manner so as to receive, in suitable position for washing, a varied assortment of dishes, glassware, and the like.

It will be understood that the rack structure, the front door structure, and the washing system may be of any type well known in the art. For instance, one such system is shown in my prior US. Patent No. 3,213,866, issued Oct. 26, 1965, for Dishwashing Apparatus with Conical Spray Device Means, and assigned to the General Electric Company, assignee of the present invention.

A conventional time cycle control 20 is mounted in a convenient location in the upper portion of door 9. By well known circuitry, the timer is arranged to control the operating mechanism disposed in a machinery compartment 21 below the tank, programing the mechanism so as to provide a desired sequence of washing and rinsing operations, and the final drying operation.

The mechanism within machinery compartment 21 may include, for instance, a olenoid valve 22 adapted to be connected by the Water inlet hose 23 to a suitable hot water supply. The inlet valve 22 will supply water to tub 8 by way of a second hose 24 which extends from valve 22 to the tub inlet 25, where it is attached to the tub in the manner described in the copending application of E. L. Macoicz, entitled Dishwasher With Improved Side Liquid Inlet and Hose Support, Ser. No. 493,243, filed Oct. 20, 1965, and now US. Patent No. 3,394,725, issued July 30, 1968, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.

The operating components may further include a secondary pump chamber 26 having a bladed rotor therein (not shown) adapted to be driven by a reversible electric motor 27. The secondary pump chamber 26 and motor 27 are secured to the sump portion 19 of the wash chamber. The bladed rotor is effective to pump a substantial amount of liquid when rotating in one direction, and has substantially no pumping action when rotating in the 0pposite direction. The pump chamber 26 surrounding the discharge pump has an outlet passage 28 therefrom in communication with a discharge or drain hose 29 which carries vitiated fluids from the dishwasher when the pump is rotating in the appropriate direction.

Since this dishwasher is of the portable type, suitable means must be provided for detachably connecting the inlet and drain hoses to respective water supply and drain facilities. Referring now to FIGURE 2, it will be seen that the free ends of both the water supply hose 23 and drain hose 29 are connected to a unitary coupling means 30 of the type constructed for attachment to a water faucet (not shown). The coupling means shown in FIGURE 2 includes a first passage (not shown) through which incoming hot water enters inlet hose 23, and a second passage (not shown) through its lower end for draining the water supplied thereto from drain hose 29. The structure for detachably connecting the coupling to the sink faucet is fully illustrated by Krzewina, Patent No. 3,124,127 issued Mar. 10, 1964, and assigned to my present assignee.

The supply or inlet hose 23, as mentioned above, is connected at the front of the cabinet to the solenoid operated fill valve 22. Valve 22 is rigidly secured to channel member 12 by means of a bracket 31 that has screws 32 passing therethrough.

As noted above, drain hose 29, which is connected at one end to the outlet passage of the secondary pump chamber 26, is secured at its opposite end to coupling means 30. The inlet and drain hoses, 23 and 29 respectively, are both rigidly secured by means of a spring clamp 33 to channel member 11 at the bottom of the tub, whereby a portion of both the inlet hose 23 and drain hose 29 is precluded from movement relative to the wash chamber. The inlet and drain hoses are held together at intermediate points by means of tape or other clamping devices as at 34, whereby the hoses are contiguously arranged both during storage and upon movement from the storage area for use.

When the dishwasher is not being used, the hoses are adapted to be disposed between the side wall of the tub and side wall 2 of outer cabinet 1. To prevent the hoses from becoming entangled with the apparatus in the machinery compartment, and to prevent them from interfering with movement of the counterbalance spring 18 and link 17, there is provided a first inclined guide deflector 35. Deflector 35 is secured at its lower end to channel 12 and at the opposite higher end to channel 11 by way of the bolts 15 and 36 respectively.

Deflector 35 comprises an inverted, substantially L- shaped member, having a first leg 37 disposed parallel to the side wall of the tub and a second leg 38 extending at right angles therefrom. Leg 38 bridges the space between the wash chamber and the cabinet side wall, thereby precluding movement of the hoses into the path of link 17 or spring 18 when the hoses are disposed in the position shown in FIGURE 2.

A second deflector or guide bracket 39 is secured to channel 11. Bracket 39 also comprises a first leg 40 parallel to the tub side wall and a second leg 41 perpendicular thereto. The top of leg 41 is formed to provide a curved surface 42 which aids in guiding the hoses into their storage compartment, and also eliminates any sharp edge which could damage the hoses. The two deflectors, 35 and 39, cooperate with side wall 2 and the wash chamber to define a first generally vertically disposed storage compartment therebetween. When the hoses are inserted into the storage compartment, they will invariably form the loops shown in FIGURE 2, since, upon insertion, the hoses will engage the inclined leg 38 of deflector 35, which will direct the hoses downwardly into the storage compartment. Since there are no obstructions of any sort in this area, there is nothing that will cause the hoses to kink as they are extended therefrom.

As can best be seen in the upper left hand corner of FIGURE 2, and as illustrated in FIGURE 4, a suitable hose guide assembly 43 is provided to facilitate the removal and return of the hoses to their storage area. The hose guide assembly 43 comprises a generally rectangular frame 44 secured to the rear wall 4 of the outer cabinet by way of bolts 45. The frame 44 is coextensive with an opening 46 formed in the rear wall of the outer cabinet, and extends inwardly therefrom. A roller 47 is suitably positioned in the bottom of the frame by means of a fixed axle 48. As illustrated in FIGURE 2, the roller 47 and the top of frame 44 are spaced such that hoses 23 and 29 may move freely therebetween, but upon return of the hoses to the storage compartment, the coupling means 30 engages the frame and roller, whereby the coupling means is prevented from proceeding into the storage compartment where it could not easily be retrieved.

The reason for not flanging channel members 11 and 12 the full length thereof is now apparent. Since the outer cabinet wall is spaced at distance only slightly greater than the outer diameter of the hoses from the tank side wall, providing flanges over the full length of the channel would have insuflicient space for the hose to freely move through the area defined by the curved section 42 of defiector 39 and the vertical leg of deflector 35. Similarly, an extended flange would interfere with link 17 as the door is opened and closed.

Turning now to FIGURE 3, it will be observed that special provision is also made in accordance with my invention for disposition of the electrical cord 49 for the motor and other electrical equipment within the cabinet. One end of cord 49 is secured to the junction box 50 that is disposed at the bottom of channel member 13. The cord extends from junction box 50 to rear channel member 14 where it is clipped by means of a first spring clamp 51 to the bottom of the channel member, and by a second spring clamp 52 to the top of the channel member. A portion of the cord is thus suspended from the top of member 14, whereby that portion is precluded from movement relative to the wash chamber. The remaining portion of the cord is free to move about within a second generally vertically disposed storage compartment, partially defined by the rear outer cabinet wall 4, side wall 3, and the side of the wash chamber. To prevent the cord from becoming entangled with link 17 or spring 18', which would prevent the cord from being extended its full length for use, a curved guide bracket 53 is fixedly secured at one end thereof to the upper end of channel 14, and at its lower end to a point adjacent the water inlet structure. A suitable notch (not shown) is provided in the guide bracket, whereby the guide bracket may overlap the inlet supply hose 24 that extends from solenoid valve 22 to the water inlet structure 28 in the side of the tub. Bracket 53 is secured at its lower end by way of a bolt 54 that fastens to the tub, and the upper end of bracket 53 is secured to channel 14 by bolt 55 that also holds spring clip 52 in place.

The free end of cord 49 carries a plug 56 for attachment to a suitable wall receptacle, and, when the dishwasher is not in use, the plug is supported similarly to coupling means 30 by way of a cord guide assembly 57 disposed between the side wall 3 of the outer cabinet and the side wall of the tub, as best illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 5. The cord guide assembly comprises a substantially rectangular bracket 58 having a first opening 59 coextensive with opening 60 in the rear wall of the outer cabinet, and a second opening 61 disposed in a bottom corner thereof, through which the cord is withdrawn from within its storage compartment for use. Bracket 58 is secured to the rear wall of the outer cabinet by way of bolts 62. The opening 61 in the lower rear wall of the cord guide assembly is of a smaller dimension than plug 56, whereby the plug is prevented from dropping into the storage compartment for the cord Where it could not easily be retrieved.

it will be observed that the cord guide assembly 57 and hose guide assembly 43 permit both the plug 56 and the hose coupling means 30 to be positioned almost entirely between the decorative side walls of the dishwasher and the wash chamber when the dishwasher is not in use, while maintaining them readily accessible for withdrawal from their respective storage compartments. This improves the esthetic appearance of the dishwasher, since, when the dishwasher is not in use, there is nothing dangling from the unit that would detract from its appearance.

As observed from FIGURE 3, by affixing the electrical cord 49 to the upper end of channel member 14, the cord may be extended substantially its full length, without any possibility of entanglement with the machinery or other structure disposed within the compartment. In addition, the deflecting bracket 53 also prevents the cord from becoming entangled with the counterbalance arm 17' and spring mechanism 18' also disposed between the side wall and the tub. Of course, an automatic cord rewind may be disposed in this compartment for more deluxe models.

It will be observed from the foregoing that I have provided improved means for guiding and storing both the electric cord and inlet and drain hoses for a portable dishwasher. The top and rear walls of the outer cabinet are positioned as close to the tub as is structurally possible, whereby the outer dimensions of the cabinet are suificiently reduced so that a dishwasher constructed in accordance with my invention may be easily inserted under a standard kitchen countertop.

I claim:

1, A portable dishwasher, comprising:

(a) a generally rectangular wash chamber having a front access opening thereinto;

(b) means defining an outer decorative cabinet for said wash chamber, said means including first and second side walls and a rear wall, said side walls being spaced a predetermined distance from said wash chamber;

(c) means cooperating with said first side wall and said wash chamber for defining a generally vertically disposed hose storage compartment therebetween, (d) an opening near the top of said rear wall leading to said hose storage compartment;

(c) an inlet and drain hose adapted to be at least partially inserted into and partially withdraw from said hose storage compartment through said opening;

(f) means securing a portion of each of said inlet and drai hoses against movement relative to said hose storage compartment, leaving the ends thereof free for withdrawal and return with respect to said hose storage compartment;

(g) means interconnecting said hoses intermediate their ends, whereby said hoses are contiguously arranged when stored in said hose storage compartment, and upon insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom;

(h) coupling means secured to the free ends of said hoses for connecting said hoses to their respective liquid supply and drain facilities; and

(i) guide means positioned interiorly of said cabinet and adjacent to said opening for receiving said coupling means when said hoses are inserted into said hose storage compartment, said guide means being adapted to maintain said coupling means adjacent said opening upon insertion of said hoses into said hose storage compartment, whereby said coupling means remains readily accessible for withdrawing said hoses therefrom.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said means defining said hose storage compartment includes:

(a) first deflector means disposed within said cabinet and bridging the space between said first side wall and said wash chamber; said first deflector means beginning at a point substantially adjacent said guide means and extending downwardly therefrom to a point near the front of said wash chamber, Whereupon insertion of said hoses into said hose storage compartment through said opening, said hoses will engage said first deflector means and will thereby be deflected downwardly and away from the front of said wash chamber; and

(b) second deflector means disposed within said cabinet and bridging the space between said first side wall and said wash chamber, said second deflector means being vertically disposed near the rear of said wash chamber, said second deflector means beginning at a height substantially parallel to the bottom of said first deflector means and extending upwardly therefrom; the upper end of said second deflector means terminating in a curved portion facing toward said rear wall of said cabinet, whereby said curved portion prevents kinking of said hoses during movement thereof to and from said hose storage com partment.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said guide means comprises a generally rectangular frame, said frame being coextensive with said opening in said rear wall and extending inwardly therefrom; said frame including a horizontally disposed roller extending thereacross over which said hoses may pass upon insertion to and withdrawal from said hose storage compartment, said roller and the top of said rectangular frame being spaced such that said hoses may move freely therebetween, while said coupling means is adapted to engage said roller upon insertion of said hoses into said hose storage compartment, whereby said coupling means is prevented from proceeding into said hose storage compartment.

4. The invention of claim 1 further including:

(a) means cooperating with said second side wall and said wash chamber for defining a generally vertically disposed cord storage compartment therebetween,

(b) a second opening near the top of said rear wall leading to said cord storage compartment;

(0) an electrical cord adapted to be at least partially inserted and partially withdrawn from said cord storage compartment through said second opening;

(d) means securing a portion of said electrical cord against movement relative to said cord storage compartment, leaving one end thereof free for withdrawal from and return to said cord storage compartment;

(e) a plug secured to the free end of said electrical cord for connecting said electrical cord :to a source of electrical power; and

(f) second guide means positioned interiorly of said cabinet and adjacent to said second opening for receiving said plug when said electrical cord is inserted into said cord storage compartment, whereby said second guide means maintains said plug adjacent said second opening where said plug is readily accessible for withdrawing said electrical cord from said cord storage compartment.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said means defining said cord storage compartment includes curved deflector means disposed within said cabinet and bridging the space between said second side wall and said wash chamber, said curved deflector means beginning at a point near said second guide means and extending downwardly toward the center of said second side wall, so that, upon insertion of said electrical cord into said second opening, said curved deflector means is adapted to deflect said electrical cord toward said rear wall of said cabinet.

6. The invention of claim 4 wherein said second guide means comprises:

(a) a substantially rectangular bracket coextensive with said second opening in said rear wall of said cabinet;

(b) said bracket having an opening therethrough disposed in the bottom corner thereof leading to said cord storage compartment, said cord being adapted to pass through said bracket opening upon insertion to and withdrawal from said cord storage compartment; and

(c) said bracket opening being of a smaller dimension than said plug, whereupon insertion of said cord through said bracket opening into said cord storage compartment, said plugs engages said bracket and is thereby prevented from dropping into said cord storage compartment.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,058,479 10/1962 Fay et a1. 134200 X 3,092,134 6/1963 Allen et al. 134-176 X HENRY T. KLINKSIEK, Primary Examiner M. O. STURM, Assistant Examiner 

